Mrs. M Helen McNeal

NOTE: A SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MRS. M HELEN MCNEAL WILL BE HELD AT UPTON AVENUE ORIGINAL CHURCH OF GOD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2024. **VISITATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES ARE LISTED BELOW *PLEASE NOTE: MASKS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST---THE CHURCH WILL PROVIDE HAND SANITIZER WHEN ENTERING THE BUILDING. _____________________________________ NOTE: DVD TRIBUTE WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON _____________________________________ OBITUARY M Helen (Page-Jones) McNeal, 91 of Battle Creek, MI went to be with our Lord and Savior on December 16, 2024, at the home of her daughter Tarla. She was born March 25, 1933, in Six Mile, Bibb, Alabama, the daughter of Robert Page Sr. and Roberta (Dozier) Page. She moved to Amherstdale-Robinette, West Virgina in 1944 with her parents. She attended Buffalo High School where she was valedictorian. Helen was united in marriage with Reuben D. Jones II in 1951 in Logan West Virginia, and to this union their first daughter, Terri was born. They later moved to Battle Creek, MI around 1953 and had six more children (two of which died in infancy. Their union later ended in divorce. Helen then raised her five children while simultaneously working full-time and taking classes at Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University. Helen was well-known for her wonderful sewing ability. She was a member of the Battle Creek Community Chorus for years, performing with them at Carnegie Hall in New York. She also sang in various church choirs. She was an active bowler, and excellent cook, seamstress gardener, decorator and an avid crafter. She visited 49 out of the 50 states and was also a world traveler. Helen was an active member of the NAACP for years. She also served in the United States Air Force Reserves. Helen was employed with the Fort Custer State Home before starting her employment with the Defense Logistics Service Center (Federal Center) where she was employed for 30-plus years as a Systems Analyst before retirement in 1994. Helen later met the love of her life, the late Samuel McNeal who she married on February 14, 1982. Helen joined First Salem Baptist Church, where she was an usher and a member of the choir. She later became a long-time member of the Upton Avenue Original Church of God, under the leadership of Bishop Harold W. Speights, and remaining a faithful member until her death. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Samuel McNeal; daughters, Cotsie Mae Jones and Terri J. Bolen; son, Gregory Neal Jones; stepson, Nathaniel ("Nate") McNeal; brother, Robert (“Bobby”) Page Jr.; grandsons, Matthew E. Lee and Reuben D. Jones IV; special family friend, Ardella Richardson and special friend/neighbor, the late Roberta Cribbs. Helen is survived by her children: Toni (Nate) Lee of Moorpark, CA; Tarla Jones of Battle Creek, MI; Reuben Jones III; Dana Point of California; Tamara Moore of Oklahoma City, OK; brothers, Bishop Henry Archie (Cheryl) Page of Columbus, OH; Billie Joe (Mattie) Page of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; sister-in-law, Mrs. Barbara Page of Bronx, NY and a host of 4 generations of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also, special “daughter” and daughter-in-law, her 1st Lady Stephanie Moore (Upton Avenue Original Church of God) and Kathy Jones of Detroit, MI; dearest best friend, Mrs. Mary Broadnax of Indiana; special friends, Mrs. Gurtha Laws of Battle Creek, MI; Mrs. Theodris Smith of Kalamazoo, MI; Mrs. Lilly Watson of Battle Creek, MI; Miss Dorothy Foreman of Battle Creek, MI; Miss Lorraine Hunter of Battle Creek, MI and Mrs. Ruth Ann Gray of Battle Creek, MI.

Mrs. M Helen McNeal

March 25, 1933 - December 16, 2024